Super Rugby XV Team of the Week: Round 2

Well we have heard enough Reviews. The Sharks players where all exceptional when the weather is taken into account, the more. We all know what everyone thinks. So what was Round Two about?

Reds recovered from horror week 1, Bulls in trouble, Cheetahs really missed and how about the Chiefs. I have a feeling all those late pull outs are deliberate. Tim Nai Nai Williams and Ben Tameifuna last week. This week SBW? Strategic maybe or real injury worries? What are the odds its a full strength side against the Crusaders!? That will be a titanic tussle. The Canes going about their business quietly while the Stormers are being talked up already. Could the Sharks kick on? The Brumbies will be out to bounce back while the Waratahs need to work on that porous defence.

1. Scott Sio (Brumbies)
A try and a scrumming display to remember. A colleague asked whether the Australians have finally found a prop! We can only answer that in a few weeks. One game can never define a prop, but looked really sharp none the less.

2. Bismarck Du plessis (Sharks)
The best South Africa has. He was clinical and showed great skills and leadership up front. The Sharks a better side with him as he made a welcome return. Coincidence it coincided with five points? Monster. Still worry about his line outs. Occasionally.

3. Vincent Koch (Stormers)
Honestly I suggest the Stormers keep the man here. Rejected by the Bulls. I will repeat that forever. He is now in Cape Town and destroying loose heads. His versatility stands him in good stead. Maybe, just maybe he could be thrown into the Test Rugby arena.

4. Sean Barrett (Crusaders)
The man was in the trenches and showed why the depth at lock in New Zealand is over flowing a great show in defence and attack as he went over for a try . The big man has nifty hands!

5. Pieter Stephen Du Toit (Sharks)
Line out prowess. Still improving and I won't get carried away. A great display by Pieter. The clash with the Bulls will allow us to see him come up against Victor Matfield. Is it worth the battle?  He needs to make a statement!

6. Marcell Coetzee (Sharks)
Two tries and massive show in wet weather. The Springbok flank leads the way in partnering Duane Vermeulen in that back row. He continues to mature into a world class act. Another non Craven week product.

7. Liam Messam (Chiefs)
Did the hard work in the trenches. Led by example and saw his side beat a spirited Brumbies side that will be gutted.

8. Scott Higginbotham (Rebels)
The ball wrecker was at his best. Still Australia's best number 8. Was a carrier, led by example and managed to score a try as well. The eight's link up play won him deserved plaudits.

9. Luke Burgess (Rebels)
I would have put Cobus Reinach really. He was instrumental for the Natalians but there was a special show from Nic that helped push the Tahs all the way. The Rebels will compete this this year, it looks like the late inclusion at 9 saw him exploit the fringes well.

10. Pat Lambie (Sharks)
I liked Bernard Foley and Colin Slade but when it comes to domination and game management, Pat was perfect. The number 1 fly half in South Africa. He dictated play in Northern Hemisphere conditions well. That cross kick to Ndungane? Pin point. Visionary.

11. Julian Savea (Hurricanes)
He had the audacity to take a quick tap, take on three Bulls defenders and score. Pivotal try for the Canes who got their second win away from home. He had vital carries, including bashing JJ out the way. Is this the Plum effect?

12. Kurtley Beale (Waratahs)
He was definitely quality. Set up Boiled for a great try in what was a great move. He was instrumental. Started the game poor but finished strong. Now to be consistent and not get into trouble.

13. Malakai Fekitoa (Highlanders)
The All blacks have found a 13 when Conrad Smith calls it. He literally ghosted past the Crusaders defence to keep his side within reach. He was solid on defence and managed to attack massively. Very dangerous man in broken play.

14. Taqela Naiyaravoro (Waratahs)
Brilliant beastly display. Two well taken tries showing his pace and power. Was almost perfect had it not been for an unnecessary yellow that was given to him for a deliberate knock. He was under no pressure. Moment of craziness after brilliance.

15. Lachlan Turner (Reds)
Points machine when needed. Pivotal in the Reds first win and a much needed recovery. Top quality display from the man. He took the gauntlet and managed to be the man they needed when all the stars disappeared.